Get Ready to Indulge in Our Mouthwatering Cornbread Stuffing
Welcome to my Southern-style kitchen, where today we’ll be cooking up a classic recipe for cornbread dressing that’s sure to wow your taste buds. I’m excited to share Charlotte’s Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe with you, a special dish that has been passed down in my family for generations.
Cornbread dressing is one of those classic dishes that are essential for any Southern cook. It’s a perfect combination of crispy, savory goodness with moist cornbread chunks, crunchy celery, and onions, all baked together in a mouth-watering casserole dish. Creamy chicken broth and evaporated milk are added to create a delicious richness and depth of flavor, while spices like ground sage and poultry seasoning add the perfect amount of warmth and complexity.
I remember fondly watching my grandma make this cornbread dressing every Thanksgiving, which made me fall in love with this soul food staple. This recipe has now become an annual tradition in my family too – it’s one of those recipes you can’t help but want more and more servings of, no matter how full you are.
So let’s gather all our ingredients, roll up our sleeves, and start cooking up this old-fashioned classic dish that will grace our tables for many years to come.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you are searching for an authentic Southern Cornbread Dressing recipe, look no further! I present to you my personal favorite – Charlotte’s Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe. It’s a soul food classic that has been passed down through generations of Southern cooks, and there’s no doubt as to why this recipe has stood the test of time.
First, let me tell you about the star player of this dish: the cornbread. The cornbread we use in this recipe is an old-fashioned classic, reminiscent of grandma’s cooking. The crust is crunchy, and the inside is fluffy and full of flavor. It pairs perfectly with the chicken broth and evaporated milk, which produce a creamy and rich dressing that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
But that’s not all – we also add in sweet onions, celery heart, sage, poultry seasoning and butter to give this dressing its unique flavor profile. When combined with the hard-boiled eggs and chicken broth, every bite is a savory explosion that will transport you to southern heaven!
This stuffing cornbread recipe is versatile, so you can add in your own twist to it. Whether you prefer to include sausage or want to use it as a base for other recipes like my chicken dressing or sausage stuffing recipes, this Southern cornbread dressing can suit any palate.
What’s even better? This recipe is easy to make! There’s no need for any fancy techniques or special equipment. Grab a baking dish or cast iron skillet and get ready to make some piping hot and savory stuffing.
If you are still not convinced why you’ll love this recipe? Let me tell you; it’s the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving or any other holiday celebration where delicious food takes center stage. Your guests will undoubtedly rave about your amazing cooking skills once they try Charlotte’s Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a show-stopping dish that will wow your family and friends, this is it. I promise you won’t be disappointed. So why not try this amazing recipe today? Your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredient List
Let’s dive into the ingredients of this delectable Charlotte’s Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe. This recipe will give you a meal that is filling and savory, perfect for any occasion or family gathering.
Here’s what you need:
- 2 sticks of unsalted butter
- 1 sweet onion, finely chopped
- A celery heart with leaves, finely chopped
- 3 cups of chicken broth
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 2 large beaten eggs
- 1/4 cup of buttermilk
- A package of your choice of cornbread mix or an equivalent amount of homemade cornbread
- Seasonings (1 tablespoon of poultry seasoning, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 2 teaspoons dried sage)
Most of these ingredients should be easy to find in your pantry and local grocery stores. You will also find that many of these ingredients are staples in classic southern cooking.
The Recipe How-To
Now comes the fun part – making the southern cornbread dressing! Gather all your ingredients and utensils, and let’s get started.
Prep Your Ingredients
First, preheat your oven to 400°F. Begin by crumbling up your southern-style cornbread, whether you made it from scratch or used a mix. You’ll need around 12 cups of crumbled cornbread for this recipe. Set it aside in a large mixing bowl.
Next, finely chop one large sweet onion and four celery stalks from the celery heart. Melt two sticks of butter (16 tablespoons) in a pan over medium heat and sauté your veggies until they are tender.
Combine Your Ingredients
Pour the mixture of butter, onions, and celery over your crumbled cornbread. Add one can of evaporated milk, a cup of chicken broth, two beaten eggs, and a teaspoon each of dried ground sage and poultry seasoning. Mix thoroughly.
Adjust Your Seasoning
At this point, take a small spoonful of the mixture and taste it. Add salt and pepper as needed until it’s perfectly seasoned to your taste buds’ preferences.
Bake in the Oven
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter, scoop your mixture into the dish, and bake the dressing for around 45 minutes, or until it’s golden brown on top.
Add Finishing Touches
For an added twist, add chunks of cooked chicken or diced hard-boiled eggs to your dressing before baking. It gives the dish a hearty texture and depth of flavor that is irresistible.
And there you have it – Charlotte’s Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you feeling creative and want to put your own spin on this classic southern cornbread dressing recipe? Or, perhaps you have some dietary restrictions that require you to make substitutions. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations that can still result in a delicious dish:
– Vegetarian/Vegan: Omit the chicken broth and use vegetable broth instead. Swap out the eggs for a vegan egg substitute such as flax eggs or aquafaba. In place of butter, use vegan butter or olive oil.
– Sausage Stuffing: For a heartier dish, add cooked crumbled sausage to the cornbread mixture. You can also substitute the chicken broth for chicken soup.
– Hard-Boiled Eggs: If you’re not a fan of hard-boiled eggs, feel free to leave them out. Alternatively, you can add cooked crumbled bacon or diced ham for added flavor.
– Spice it Up: For an extra kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes, or replace the ground sage with poultry seasoning.
– Gluten-free: Use gluten-free cornbread mix and double check that all ingredients, including the chicken broth and any spices used, are gluten-free.
No matter what substitutions or variations you choose, remember to still follow the recipe’s basic steps for best results. So don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors and ingredient combinations until you find what works best for your palette!
Serving and Pairing
There’s something special about Southern food that makes it perfect for sharing with loved ones. This recipe is no exception. Charlotte’s Southern Cornbread Dressing is the ideal addition to your Thanksgiving spread, but don’t let that limit you! It also makes for a hearty and flavorful side dish at any gathering.
The savory and buttery taste of this cornbread dressing pairs well with a variety of dishes. If you’re looking to go all-out Southern, try serving it alongside fried chicken or black-eyed peas. You can also pair it with other traditional Thanksgiving staples such as mashed potatoes and gravy, turkey, and green bean casserole.
The dressing has a rustic charm to it that marries traditional and modern cooking styles. The addition of hard-boiled eggs gives it a unique texture and depth of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try topping it with crumbled bacon for an extra crunch.
When serving this dish at a gathering, keep some extras on hand as the crowd will ask for seconds! A large spoonful or two per person should be enough, but add more for anyone who might want an extra helping. Guests will surely appreciate the soulful deep flavors of this recipe that gives the impression that it was passed down through generations.
One can consider ordering online catering for meals or ingredients required to make this recipe successful. Try pairing it with a glass of iced tea or cranberry sauce for an authentic and satisfying Southern meal experience.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a chef, I know that it can be challenging to prepare an entire meal from scratch on the day of a big event like Thanksgiving. That’s why I love recipes that can be made ahead of time and stored until they’re ready to be reheated and served. My recipe for Charlotte’s Southern Cornbread Dressing is perfect for this!
To make this dish ahead of time, simply follow all the steps in the recipe right up until it’s time to bake it. Instead of baking it right away, let the dish come to room temperature, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and then place it in the refrigerator for up to three days. This way, you can cross one thing off your list of things to do on the big day!
When you’re ready to serve your Southern Cornbread Dressing, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the plastic wrap and bake the dish uncovered for 30-40 minutes or until it’s heated through and golden brown on top. Make sure you check it halfway through just in case the top is getting too browned.
If you’re looking for even more convenience on Thanksgiving Day or during a busy weeknight dinner, this dressing can also be frozen. Simply prepare the dish as directed but do not bake it. Instead, wrap the dish tightly with foil and place it in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before following the baking directions above.
Whether you choose to make this Southern Cornbread Dressing ahead of time or freeze leftovers for later, you’re sure to love its delicious flavors and convenient preparation methods. It’s a perfect complement to any holiday meal or Sunday dinner!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making Charlotte’s Southern Cornbread Dressing recipe, there are a few tips and tricks that can help ensure perfect results every time. After all, we want to wow our guests with the ultimate southern comfort food dish. Here are a few of my tried-and-true tips for making the perfect cornbread dressing.
First, let’s talk about the cornbread. The best cornbread for this recipe is a traditional southern-style cornbread which is made with buttermilk and has a crispy crust. You can use a store-bought mix or make it from scratch, but be sure to bake it ahead of time so it has a chance to dry out slightly before you crumble it into the dressing mixture.
Another key ingredient in this dish is the chicken broth. Use high-quality chicken broth for the best flavor, or consider making your own from scratch if you have the time. If you’re short on time, using canned chicken soup as a substitute will work too, but homemade broth really does make a difference.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your add-ins! While the basic recipe calls for celery and sweet onions, you could also add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers. Additionally, you could add sausage or chopped boiled eggs for extra protein.
When it comes to seasoning your dressing, I recommend using poultry seasoning and ground sage for that classic southern flavor. However, feel free to adjust the amount of seasoning according to your personal taste preferences.
Finally, be sure to bake your dressing until it’s golden brown and crispy on top. This will ensure that all of the flavors have melded together and that you have achieved that perfect balance between moistness and crispiness.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to making an unforgettable batch of Charlotte’s Southern Cornbread Dressing that everyone will be raving about for days after your meal!
FAQ
Now that you have all the information you need to make your own delicious Southern Cornbread Dressing, it’s time for some frequently asked questions. If you have any questions or concerns about the recipe, I’ve got you covered in this section. Let’s dive right in!
How do you keep cornbread dressing from being gummy?
Sometimes a mushy consistency in your cornbread dressing can be a result of ingredients not mixing together properly. To prevent this, consider reducing the amount of liquid you use, baking the bread for a longer duration or thoroughly mixing all the ingredients. Doing so can help you achieve a smoother texture in your dish.
What is the difference between cornbread stuffing and cornbread dressing?
In Southern-style cuisine, there’s a distinction between stuffing and dressing. Stuffing is cooked inside the bird while dressing is cooked separately in a casserole dish. Dressing is commonly prepared using cornbread instead of sliced bread or baguette.
What is the origin of Southern cornbread dressing?
The roots of cornbread dressing can be traced back to the Southern United States when enslaved individuals transformed leftover cornbread into a savory and satisfying dish. Interestingly, the origins of this recipe can be connected to a West African cuisine known as Kusha.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, Charlotte’s Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe is the perfect dish to bring a touch of southern charm to any meal. With its savory and satisfying flavors, this classic recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you are getting together with family for Thanksgiving or just looking for a delicious and comforting meal, this dressing recipe has got you covered.
Now that you have all the necessary ingredients and instructions to make this delicious dish, you can start cooking with confidence. Don’t forget to experiment with different variations and substitutions to add your own unique twist to this southern classic.
So what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen, gather your family around, and start enjoying the soulful taste of Charlotte’s Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe. Trust me; it’s the perfect way to connect with your roots and bring some southern comfort into your life.
Charlotte’s Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
Cornbread (for two normal recipes)
- 4 cups cornbread mix (She uses White Lilly)
- 1 quart buttermilk
- 2 eggs
Dressing
- 2 large sweet onions, chopped (sweet onions like Vidalia)
- 1/2 celery heart, chopped
- 3/8 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons ground sage (or to taste, we like sage a lot)
- 1 cup turkey stock (she uses pan drippings)
- 1 (10 1/2 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 6 ounces evaporated milk
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (or until moist)
- 3 hard-boiled eggs (or more to your liking)
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Make two recipes of cornbread according to the mix directions (amounts listed are for 2 recipes).
- Crumble cornbread into the roasting pan used for a turkey with turkey crust left in the pan (or large, shallow casserole baking dish).
- Fry the onions and celery in 3/4 stick of butter until tender.
- Add to cornbread and mix well.
- Add sage, dripping, cream of chicken soup, evaportated milk, eggs and broth.
- Taste and adjust seasonings like salt and pepper and sage.
- Mix well and wet the surface using extra broth and the back of a spoon to smooth.
- Bake at 350 F until thick and browned on top. Dressing should be moist.
- Serve with giblet gravy.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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